“That’s a bad idea,” said John Lackey, who started and went 2⅓ innings. “Whoever did that hasn’t been between the lines.

“For me it was not that big a deal because I’m not that worried about throwing strikes. But I could foresee a situation with someone who is just struggling throwing strikes, you’re just pretty much beating the guy over the head with it.

“He realized it was a ball. He doesn’t want to hear it again. That’s a bad idea.”

Beyond that, the count is on multiple scoreboards at every major league park.

Steinberg said announcing the count was a one-game trial without a clear second step. He said he did not know who with the Sox came up with the idea, but said team president Larry Lucchino broached it more than a year ago.

It didn’t sound like the aural addition was coming to Fenway Park, but Steinberg didn’t rule it out.

“If it would be effective in a positive way, then yes,” he said.

Manager John Farrell, who went to Sarasota for the split-squad game there, carefully chose his words.

“Certainly different in the atmosphere of the ballpark,” he said. “You don’t hear that. Other than that, I really don’t have any comment.”